Some 500 species of bacteria inhabit the digestive and vaginal tract. Of these, the most beneficial are two strains of Lactobacilli bacteria: acidophilus and bifidus. Both are probiotics, meaning that they help to provide a proper balance of health promoting bacteria in the intestine. Acidophilus is present in fermented milk products like yogurt, it can also be found in capsules, tablets or powdered form, suppository and douche form for use in a variety of health condition.

Other foods that contain acidophilus include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and many other fermented food products. Food that encourage the growth of lactobacillus in the body are green leafy vegetables (which contain chlorophyll), milk products like yogurt, whey powder, and miso.

Health Benefits of Acidophilus:

• Acidophilus helps to restore a normal balance of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. A recent study showed that eating yogurt regularly greatly reduced the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections. Some studies show that, when taken orally or inserted into the vagina as a suppository or douche, acidophilus may prevent or control vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida albicans.
• Acidophilus plays an important role in digestion, helping to produce a number of chemicals which aid in the digestion process.
• Acidophilus may contain cancer-fighting agents. When given to patients who have had surgery for bladder cancer, acidophilus helped to prevent the recurrence of single tumors. This may be because acidophilus prevents harmful bacteria from creating cancer-causing substances.

• Acidophilus may also lower blood cholesterol levels, because certain strains of these bacteria absorb cholesterol in the intestine before it reaches the arteries and causes damage.
• Acidophilus helps to manufacture certain vitamins in the intestines, including vitamins B12 and K, thiamine and folic acid.
• Acidophilus may also relieve diarrhea and food poisoning, and may replenish beneficial intestinal micro-organisms that diarrhea flushes out of the body.
• Some people who are lactose intolerant may benefit from taking acidophilus.

Guidelines for use:

• When using acidophilus orally, take it 30-60 minutes before eating.
• Douche only to treat vaginal yeast infections, or when you are taking antibiotics. If you have vaginal infection for the first time, see your doctor before treating yourself. Acidophilus is useful against the yeast Candida albicans, but has little effect on other types of vaginal problems.
• If you're on antibiotics, don't take them at the same time of day as acidophilus. Keep taking acidophilus for six to eight weeks after you finish the antibiotics.
• Usually acidophilus and acidophilus products must be used daily for several weeks for them to establish themselves before any health benefits are experienced.

Buying Tips:

• When buying supplements, read the labels carefully. A therapeutic form should contain at least 1 billion live organisms in each pill; smaller amounts may not be potent enough to have beneficial effects.
• Acidophilus product labels should say that they contain "live cultures" or "active cultures". Be sure to check the expiry date.
• Whatever form of acidophilus you buy, store it in a cool, dry place, such as the refrigerator. Because heat can easily kill live acidophilus, as can temperatures below freezing.

Side effects:

• Ingested in large quantities, acidophilus may cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems.
• Prolonged douching can irritate the vagina; this can be corrected by reducing the concentration of acidophilus.

Caution: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.